World War I Questions and Answers

Why Did The US Enter WW1

Why did the United States enter World War I?

After remaining neutral since the war's start, the United States entered World War I because Germany continued to wage unrestricted submarine warfare, which resulted in the sinking of American ships. The interception of the Zimmerman Telegram, in which Germany petitioned Mexico to join against the US, was another major factor. On April 6, 1917, Congress decided to declare war on Germany.

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The United States entered the war because of the Germans' decision to resume the policy of unrestricted submarine warfare, and the so-called "Zimmerman telegram," intercepted by the British, in which Germany floated the idea of an alliance with Mexico. Unrestricted submarine warfare, a desperate effort to counter the British blockade of Germany, would lead to the sinking of American merchant ships heading for England, and had been employed by the Germans before. They abandoned it in the face of US pressure earlier in the war. Its resumption was enough to cause Woodrow Wilson to renounce his...

With the outbreak of World War 1 in Europe in 1914, the United States was not immediately and directly affected. The official stance of the United States at the time was the policy of neutrality, in which the United States aimed to avoid taking a side in the conflict. President Woodrow Wilson's policy of neutrality was popular with the American people at the time and was widely supported. The policy of neutrality, however, became more difficult to maintain as the war progressed.

American merchants attempted to engage in trade with nations on both sides of the conflict, but due to Britain's successful blockading of Germany, trade between the United States and Germany was nearly non-existent. The United States did continue to trade with Britain, however that became more dangerous with Germany's introduction of "unrestricted submarine warfare". Through this policy, German submarines had the freedom to attack ships that were believed to be providing supplies to any of the allied powers.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare would eventually lead to German submarines sinking ships coming from the United States to Britain. One major example would be the sinking of the ocean liner RMS Lusitania on May 7, 1915. The sinking of the Lusitania led to the deaths of 1,193 passengers, including 128 American citizens. The sinking of the Lusitania did not, however, lead to the direct involvement of the U.S. military in World War 1. The sinking of the Lusitania did lead to a shift in public opinion in the United States to a stronger anti-German view. The German government also halted the policy of Unrestricted Submarine Warfare until it was renewed in 1917. The renewal of Unrestricted Submarine War was one of the major factors leading to U.S. entry into World War 1.

In addition to Unrestricted Submarine Warfare, the Zimmerman Telegram played a huge role in bringing the United States into World War 1. In January 1917, the British government intercepted a private diplomatic message from the German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman to a German diplomat in Mexico. The message proposed that Germany would help Mexico gain territory in the United States in return for assisting Germany in the war. This was intended to entice Mexico to assist Germany, as much of their territory had been lost to the United States in the Mexican-American War decades earlier. The British government passed the message on to the United States which greatly upset the United States population, as well as the U.S. government. This would be a huge factor in U.S. involvement in World War 1.

In conclusion, U.S. involvement in World War 1 can largely be traced to two major causes. The policy of Unrestricted Submarine Warfare in which U.S. ships came under direct attack from German submarines, and the Zimmerman Telegram urging Mexico to attack the United States and take the side of Germany in World War 1. On April 2, 1917 President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany, a request which Congress would fulfill four days later. On June 26, American troops would arrive in Europe and help to turn the tide of World War 1 in favor of the Allied Powers.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/america-enters-world-war-i - American entry into World War 1

chamberj | Student

The United States entered World War 1 two days after the U.S. Senate voted to declare war against Germany. The declaration was approved by a vote of 373 to 5o by the U.S. House of Representatives . As a result of this unanimous vote, America officially entered World War 1.

President Woodrow Wilson was the president of the United States during this time. Initially, President Wilson wanted the USA to remain neutral as far as the war was concerned. However, Great Brittain was one of America's closest trading partners. Soon, tension escalated between the United States and Germany over Germany's attempt to quarantine the British Isles. Germany mines sank and damaged several of the U.S. ships traveling to Britain. Germany entered the war zone around Britain. Eventually, a German cruiser sank a private American Vessel, known as the William P. Frye. The actions of the Germany cruiser outraged President Wilson. However, the German government called the attack a mistake and apologized for their actions.

Germany torpedoed the Brittish ocean liner , Lusitania without a warning on May 7th. They maintained that the Lusitania was carrying munitions. More than 1100 passengers lost their lives as a result of the attack. The U.S. demanded that the Germans end their attacks on merchant ships and unarmed passengers. Once again, Germany pledged to make sure to "see the safety of passengers" before sinking unarmed vessels. Germany proved later that their words and promises could not be trusted. Three months later in November, Germany was responsible for sinking an Italian liner without warning. Over 272 people perished as a result of the attack.

As a result of Germany's determination to win the "war of attribution" against the Allies, they resumed their unrestricted warfare in "war-zone waters." The United States severed diplomatic relations with Germany. A few days later, a German U-boat sank an America liner, called the Housatonic.

Germany continued to attach four additional U. S. merchant ships. These actions caused, President Wilson to stand before Congress and "called for a declaration of war" against Germany on April 2. Congress granted this request four days later.

The United States strong presence in War War 1 helped the Allies to win the war. The war ended on November 1, 1918. More than 50,000 American soldiers lost their lives as a result of World War 1.

teacher-vic20 | Student

Up until April 6, 1917, the United States maintained a neutral stance towards the ongoing war in Europe because of its longstanding foreign policy stating that the United States would not get into any alliances with other nations. However, on the said day, American broke its diplomatic relations with Germany and entered the war.

Germany had declared an indiscriminate war against ships plying the designated war zone and these violations would affect America’s relationship with its closest trading partner, Britain. Although America has suffered loss after the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 after a German attack, President Wilson maintained the nation’s stand saying that America should avoid conflict. However, after Germany made known its stand on April 3, 1917, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, with an 82 to 6 and 373 to 50 vote respectively, officially made America a participant in the First World War.

coachphillips35 | Student

Prior to the entering the war, the United States had essentially tried to stay neutral. In other words, we did not want to become entangled in a foreign conflict. With the sinking of the Lusitania (which we know now was carrying military supplies) which killed many civilians, the war drum had begun to beat in the United States. The final straw came when the Zimmerman telegram from Germany to Mexico was intercepted by the British. In the telegram, Germany promised Mexico that they would regain all territories lost to the United States if they declared war on the U.S. on the side of Germany. In other words, if Mexico aligned with Germany, they would ensure that Mexico regained all territory that had been lost in the past to the United States. Many historians agree that when the telegram went public, President Wilson had no choice but to declare war.

sdestin | Student

The United States was originally hesitant to enter WWI, but after the Germans sank the Lusitania (resulting in the deaths of 128 American citizens) and British intelligence claimed to intercept the Zimmerman Note (in which Germany promised to help Mexico reclaim lands previously lost to the US), popular opinion in the US moved towards entering the war.

mattesojt | Student

The United States entered World War 1 for several reasons. The most obvious to me are security and business. The U.S. supported Britain whose primary concern was maintaining the balance of power in Europe. This balance of power in Europe was essential to American security. The U.S. had also loaned vast sums of money to England and France. An allied victory would ensure they get paid back over time. Not just paid with finances but with security. The sooner international security was established the sooner trade and progress could be reestablished. I believe the sinking of American passenger ships by the Germans was just a manifestation of the underlying problems and not the cause itself. One does not knowingly send passenger ships into a warzone and be shocked when they get blown up. As for the Zimmerman Telegraph I don't think it was taken all that seriously by the United States. I think it just so happened to arrive at a time when we were going to intervene regardless. It's easier to blame key events then to try and explain the entirety of the situation.

xaekis | Student

I wish I was able to be more accurate, but with psychological warfare / propoganda / redirection and money, it's what you don't read or see that is the motivation behind any conflict or war. Even after a substantial amount of critical thinking, theories and opinions one will not even be able to scratch the surface of the real reasons and/or causes.

Some of you have made significant strides in this area. In reality, the public will never know the true reasons behind such catastrophes.

Even with today's conflicts, it is what is "not" mentioned which makes the information fascinating. Rule of thumb: What or whom is being pointed to is the complete opposite of what is being presented. In addition, what or whom that is "not" mentioned may well be the culprit behind the scenes.

I was involved in such "things" on a lower level and can honestly say that many portrayed as villians are innocent and many portrayed as innocent are villians.

ashley1824 | Student

The United States declared war on Germany for many reasons. One of them was the sinking on neutral ships and the lusitania which killed about 148 Americans. This was not the immediate cause, another is propaganda which persuaded public opinion. Also the Russian revolution because the u.s did not want to join the allied powers because Russia was not a democracy it was a dictatorship. The whole reason why the u.s is where they were at then and now was not wanting to be part of Britain's dictatorship. When russia signed the peace treaty of Brest-litovsk it gave the U.S the opportunity to join. Lastly is the Zimmerman Telegraph, The germans sent mexico a message to attack they will get land. The reason why WWI started was M.A.I.N Militarism, Alliance system, Imperialsim and Nationalism.

emtheawesome | Student

The United States entered World War 1 when they had a note given to them from the British that was from Germany. It was a note to Mexico, called the Zimmerman Note. Germany promised Mexico the land that America took from them earlier (like Texas and Arizona) if they helped Germany win the war. Mexico refused, but this still made Americans angry and a bit scared. This meant that if Germany took over Europe, they would go after America, too. So, in order to prevent this, we entered the war.

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ahmedrehan | Student

The US entered the war for a variety of reasons. Here are some summaries of explanations given by FAQ Farmers.

Submarine Warfare and the Lusitania

There were unauthorized German submarines along the US East coast. Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare in the spring of 1917 provided the final straw for US politicians, and America declared war.

The first and foremost answer would be the sinking of the Lusitania, an British cruise/transport ship, bound for Britain from New York. The German U-boat ring sought to sink all supply ships headed for Britain in order to starve the island. It sank the Lusitania as part of its efforts. 1195 people died, including 128 Americans.

The Lusitania's sinking was the biggest influence on the American decision to enter the war. German submarine warfare (the Lusitania is included in this) sunk many ships over several years.

Had it not been for the Lusitania, the US would have stayed out of the War.

Economics

Some say the "bankers" were involved.

The U.S. had huge economic investments with the British and French. If they were to lose, then they would not be able to pay the U.S. debt back (amounting to about two billion dollars while Germany only borrowed a mere 27 million).

If Allies could not pay back all the loans made to them by the American bankers, the US's economy could collapse.

France and England were financing their war with US loans. In addition, they were buying massive amounts of arms from the US on credit. The US wanted to make sure that it got paid back. Germany also purchased arms, but in a much more limited fashion.

Politics

Propaganda from both sides influenced the American decision.

Woodrow Wilson did not want to go to war but when Teddy Roosevelt decided to run for another term, Wilson felt threatened and announced that there would be a preparedness program and possibly that the country would go to war.

By entering the war, the US got to flex its muscles on the world stage and establish itself as a world power.

After both sides of the Mexican civil war demanded that our troops leave and public opinion badly swayed against US intervention in Mexico, Wilson had no choice but to withdraw. By having the threat of Germany helping Mexico fight back against him, Wilson knew he had to take action. He couldn't go back into Mexico because the American people would not allow it. He really had no beef with Germany, he just wanted to save face before Mexico could fight back.

Ideology

President Wilson wanted to make the world safe for democracy ("Wilson's War Address to Congress").

It was partly for idealistic reasons (propaganda was not seen as an evil until after the Great War). The occupation of Belgium and the sinking of the Lusitania changed a lot people's minds in the US about Germany.

There was more to it than just the submarine warfare and the sinking of the Lusitania although those were the formal and legalistic reasons for declaring war. I think that over time a moral sense had developed that Britain and France were fighting the good fight for freedom against a genuine evil. If that sense had not existed I think the US would have let the Lusitania pass. As it was, it was nearly two years after she was sunk that we finally did declare war.

Zimmerman Telegram

Other points influenced entrance to the war, but the Zimmerman Telegram (sometimes called the "Zimmerman note" or "Zimmerman telegraph") finally pushed the US to war. The Zimmerman Telegram was sent from the German foreign secretary to the German Ambassador to Mexico. It stated the following:

On the first of February, 1917, submarine warfare will be reinstated unrestrictively.

The US has to stay neutral.

Germany proposes an alliance with Mexico on the following basis: If the US goes to war, Mexico must fight on the home front in an financially supported alliance with Germany; If Mexico agrees to fight, they will reconquer New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. The telegraph was intercepted by British Intelligence and transmitted to the American government by the Brits.

This infuriated Americans. It was the same sort of alliance that plunged Europe into war.

Other FAQ Farmers agree:

The clincher was "discovery" of the Zimmerman Telegram (it was de-coded by the British and forwarded to US diplomats; with obvious self-interest on the part of the Brits)

taangerine | Student

The US entered WWI because of M.A.I.N

'M'ilitarism-Being strong enough to protect the citizens of the country.

'A'lliance System-Helping out the alliances when and where needed.

'I'mperialism-New trading markets and raw materials from other areas.

'N'ationalism-Pride in one's country.

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arrellbelle | Student

The United States entered World War I for several reasons as stated below:

The Lusitania was sunk through Submarine Warfare.

Along the east coast of the United States, there were several unauthorized German vessels and this caused another submarine warfare.

Some say that the Propaganda really caused President Wilson to go through with the United States entrance within the war.

Zimmerman Telegraph pushed the Americans because of the surprised alliance between Germany and Mexico.

crystaltu001 | Student

The Germans sunk our ships that were filled with goods

fashionableb1 | Student

The United States entered into WW1 because of two major reasons:

The sinking of the Lusitania and a few other American cargo ship by unauthorized German submarines called uber boats or u-boats

The Zimmerman Telegram was a telegram sent by German officials to the Mexican government basically telling the Mexican government help aid them on their major sneak attack on the United States. Promising to give back the now American territories that once belong to Mexico.

This two reasons caused a big feeling of nationalism among the American people and lifted the Isolationist feeling the people once felt.

ik9744 | Student

They entered world war 1 because Germany destroyed a ship that killed a lot of passengers and this made U.S mad.

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acompanioninthetardis | Student

The US entered WWI because of the bombing of Perl harbor.

zumba96 | Student

There were quite a few reasons why the US entered WW1. Along the East coast there was unauthorized German submarines and warfare, Also, when Lusitania sank that created a huge issue and was probably the main reason for war. The ship included almost 1200 people dying and there was about 128 Americans who did in that ship. This was the last straw for the US

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gkar94yoda80 | Student

There will never be a clear answer to this question, but Woodrow Wilson's idealism, the growth of U.S. nationalism, and the Zimmerman note all played a role in compelling the United States to enter World War I.

atyourservice | Student

The usa entered because of the sinking of the lusitania, an american boat (many americans died angering the citizens) Also the zimmerman note sent to mexico, telling them to attack the usa

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Chantelm | Student

After trying to remain neutral, Wilson decided to declare war because of the sinking of an American ship called the Lusitania and also a secret telegram sent by the British to New Mexico sparked an awakening in American's decision of joining WWI

parama9000 | Student

Mainly it was when President Wilson found out that Germany wanted to get Mexico into the campaign against US.

Yojana_Thapa | Student

President Wilson sought to distance America from WWI by issuing proclamation of neutrality. But, the German challenged to American Neutrality. Germany launched a campaign of unrestricted submarine warfare. In 1917, the German foreign secretary, Arthur Zimmerman, sent a secret telegram to the German minister in Mexico. The telegram asked Mexico to join a military alliance against U.S. The Germans promised to help Mexico regain their territories that they lost. Wilson declared war! He accused the germans of violating freedom of seas and interfering with Mexico.

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hadjartahax | Student

because it could support other countries

emmij | Student

With the sinking of the British ship the Lusitania which there was American people on board, America joined the war because the British were struggling serverly. America believed in freedom and they wanted Britian to have that as well. Also another reason was the Zimmerman telegram saying that Mexico was in ties with Germany and that they were going to attack America.

The Germans used U Boats to attack the Lusitania, because they thought that the cargo was weapons and ammunition. There were 107 Americans on board the ship. Britain intercepted a telegraph called the Zimmerman Telegraph which urged the government of Mexico to attack the United States. Congress officially declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917. This was a war resulting from nationalism, imperialism, and militarism.

mscurry | Student

The most common answer, and possibly the right one, is the sinking of the British Passenger ship Lusitania, where a number of US citizens died.
In addition to the answer above: "After submarines sank seven US merchant ships and the publication of the Zimmerman Telegram, Wilson called for war on Germany, which the US Congress declared on 6 April 1917."

history2012 | Student

The United States, led by President Woodrow Wilson, did not want
to be involved in World War I. When Wilson ran for re-election in
1916, his campaign slogan was "He kept us out of the war" referring
to the European conflict that was then referred to as the "Great
War." However, by 1917, sentiment was changing with regard to the
war.

Although the U.S. had yet to become officially involved in the
war, most Americans supported the Allies and saw the Germans as
aggressors. Americans felt a connection to Great Britain, in
particular, because of cultural similarities. Germany angered
Americans with their U-boats sinking American ships suspected of
aiding the Allies. With the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, a
British cruise ship, 128 Americans were among those who lost their
lives. The Germans temporarily halted such actions but in 1917
resumed unrestricted Naval warfare. At the same time, the British
intercepted a message, called the Zimmerman Note, asking
the government of Mexico to declare war on the U.S., if war broke
out between the U. S. and Germany. The note also promised to help
Mexico regain the territory of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico if
Mexico declared war on the United States. This note was the final
push that Wilson needed to turn public sentiment towards war. The
U.S. Congress declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917.

Yes, the ZIMMERMANN TELEGRAM, was the 9/11 of the year
1917, once the U.S. Public learned through the 1917 Mass
Media, [NEWSPAPERS], what was taking place, in respect to, the main
cause of why the U.S. entered World War One on April 6,
1917.

The issue of sinking ships from U.S. Ports, were
mentioned, but were NOT key notes, to justify entering World War
One, because it was rumored ships leaving U.S. ports to travel over
the Atlantic Ocean to England, were bringing war supplies to
use against the Germans, and the Germans advertised in local U.S.
Port Newspapers this concern, and the intentions of the German Navy
to sink such ships.

ZIMMERMANN TELEGRAM Main Points:

The secret use of the 'Western Union Telegraph
Service,' to send messages to conspire with a foreign nation,
"MEXICO", to attack the United States along the U.S.-Mexico
Boarder, on a telegraphed service which was American owned, which
the United States was allowing the German Embassy to use, because
officially the U.S. was a Neutral Nation up until April 6,
1917, and was allowing the British to use the same
service.

The threat to the safety-sovereignty of 3 to 5 U.S.
States, and U.S. Citizens, from a possible armed invasion,
with the use of an American owned Telegraph Service, to negotiate
with the Mexican Government, to make a second war with the United
States, with the goal of re-taking Mexican Lands, which were now
owned by America, due to the 1846-1848 U.S.-Mexican
War.

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abigailmarie | Student

Becuase of Germans sinking our ships filled with cargo and things

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bellby | Student

the reason why we had world war one is because Franz ferdinand the arch duke of spain got killed and thats what started world war one.

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peterttly | Student

Since the beginning of World War I in 1914, the United States,
under President Woodrow Wilson, had maintained strict neutrality,
other than providing material assistance to the Allies. Even in May
1915, when a German submarine sank the British ocean liner
Lusitania, killing 128 U.S. citizens out of a total 1,200
dead, the United States, though in uproar, remained
neutral.

In January 1917, Germany announced that it would lift all
restrictions on submarine warfare starting on February 1. This
declaration meant that German U-boat commanders were suddenly
authorized to sink all ships that they believed to be providing aid
of any sort to the Allies. Because the primary goal was to starve
Britain into surrendering, the German effort would focus largely on
ships crossing the Atlantic from the United States and Canada.

The first victim of this new policy was the American cargo ship
Housatonic, which a German U-boat sank on February 3,
1917. Although Wilson tried hard to keep the United States neutral,
by the spring of 1917, the situation had changed significantly, and
neutrality no longer seemed feasible. Germany’s unrestricted
submarine warfare was taking its toll, as American ships, both
cargo and passenger, were sunk one after another. Finally, on
April 2, Wilson appeared before Congress and requested a
declaration of war. Congress responded within days, officially
declaring war on Germany on April 6, 1917.

True,true...add me.

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jgumfreak | Student

They entered the Worl War I because they did so. they wanted to
purchase the dictators, and restor peace in the world. But it was
mainly in europe that the war raged. But the answers above are
all of better quality.

No they entered because of a telogram that had been messed with
from Germany, them finding out the some if the countries in Europe
had tried to turn Mexico and Canda agenst them, and the sinking of
a ship from U-Boats that Germany had made that killed several
American people on it.

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djlp18 | Student

1.) The US of A only wanted to preserve its freedom.

2.) Most of its friends in Europe (the Allies) are in war with the Central Powers.

3.) For the lives that German people killed.

*Germany having lost the war felt bitter beacause of the "Treaty of Versailles"

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truthseekah | Student

FDR, who was at that time appointed as Assistant Secretary to the Navy by Wilson and was on record as concluding there was a conspiracy in the United States. In a letter to Colonel Edward Mandell House, FDR wrote, "The real truth of the matter is, as you and I know, that a financial element in the larger centers has owned the government ever since the days of Andrew Jackson, and I am not wholly excepting the administration of W.W. (Woodrow Wilson.) The country is going through a repetition of Jackson's fight with the Bank of the United States—only on a far bigger and broader basis."

Once one understands the financial history of our country and the world, only then can they know the treachery and control elite bankers had.

“If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.” – James Madison

“War against a foreign country only happens when the moneyed classes think they are going to profit from it.” – George Orwell

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isks149 | Student

There were unauthorized German submarines along the US East coast. Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare in the spring of 1917 provided the final straw for US politicians, and America declared war.

The first and foremost answer would be the sinking of the Lusitania, an British cruise/transport ship, bound for Britain from New York. The German U-boat ring sought to sink all supply ships headed for Britain in order to starve the island. It sank the Lusitania as part of its efforts. 1195 people died, including 128 Americans.

The Lusitania's sinking was the biggest influence on the American decision to enter the war. German submarine warfare (the Lusitania is included in this) sunk many ships over several years.

Had it not been for the Lusitania, the US would have stayed out of the War.

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vakan | Student

They also entered the WWI because they wanted to get the recognition of European nations which, at that time, deeply despised the USA

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fontanateacher | Student

Why did the United States enter World War I?

Why did the United States enter World War I?

the easy answer is a non-agression pact with other
nations. Effectively it was if A hits B, then C who is an
ally of B must step in and help. Then D who is in an ally of
A has to assist in fighting both B and C, etc., until you have
countries like X and Y fighting, who were not involved to begin
with, fighting to defend or assist A and B.

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patelmilia98 | Student

they entered the WWI because of the attack on the pearl harbor in hawaii

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shweta12patel | Student

it entered world war 1 because germans had attacked a ship killing 128 americans igniting the anger and so it entered

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bla603 | Student

because the sinking of one of our boats by germany

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safiyullah | Student

USA entered the world war 2 after the massive Japanese attack on pearl harbour. thousands of people were killed in that attack , many warships were sunk and the American fleet suffered a huge loss of lives and ships

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dtrasj102 | Student

Because the U.S had evidence of a threat to its national security. Woodrow Wilson felt it his duty to try and protect America....by fighting back.

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xoxosoccergirlxo | Student

i believe the united states also entered the war because of the zimmerman telegram. germany was trying to get mexico to be an alliance with them. the united states entered the war because if mexico and germany became allies, than they would have to worry about having to wage a war with mexico.

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lovepeacea | Student

The United States entered World War I because of a boat and a note.

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nrvangiesen | Student

The United States entered the war after Germany sank two of our battleships.

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peeznluv | Student

t appears many American's don't know their History...or perhaps don't want to admit the truth. Every war America has ever been involved in (to this day) has been a conspiracy. In the case of WWI, Germany requested peaceful negotiations with the U.S. Wilson denied. He then proceeded to ask for athority to arm merchant ships carrying munitions and other contraband to "allies" Many Americans protested....the people did not want to be involved in the war.Back then, just like now, a corrupt U.S. Presdient and many members of the Senate wanted war, after all, there was a depression increasing and war would "bring prosperity". We are now still holding on to such false bravado. Back to Wilson...it might be added that he ordered these ships without gaining consent from Congress . Our now turbulent country was faced with conscription, so many young American's died for no purpose. Long b4 the actual conscription, the machinery for this operation had been built in secret. Wilson perpetrated this war, just like Presidents throughout our History have perpetrated wars It is beginning to sound anti-American to continue to believe we are "fighting for our security and freedom". War does not "serve our country", and those women and men being used as pawns for MIC profit are not "serving our nation". Study American Imperialism. We can only save our country by the polulace waking up and protesting against our foreign policy. God Bless America.

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davidcahatman | Student

The immediate cause of America's entry into World War I in April 1917 was the German announcement of unrestricted submarine warfare, and the subsequent sinking of ships with Americans on board (the Lusetania)

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rachit96 | Student

Initially the United States were uninterested to take part in the great European war. But there mind-set was broken when the anguish Germany with the help of it's submarines attacked the 'Atlantic Liner' which was carrying British as well as American passengers. Thus, the offended Americans declared war on first Germany and then the other Axis powers. Therefore the United States became directly envolved in the World War I.

I hope it helps you!!

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vonrenee | Student

The United states entered WW1 for several reasons. This is a subject that my fifth graders research each year.

1. The sinking of the Lusitania by a German U-ship has been considered the main reason, the last straw. The Lusitania was a British ship carrying over 1900 passentgers. When it was torpedoed by the German sub a total of 1158 people were killed of which 148 were Americans.

2. Propaganda was also another reason. Newpapers and news reels depicted Germans as barabaric and vicious people. This helped fuel the fire for the United States to have a negative attitude about Germans and their supporters.

3. Like all wars, this war cost money. ﻿﻿﻿﻿The United States had made substantial investments to both Britain and France. It was important to the US that they win the war in order to be able to reimburse the US.

4. I would consider loyalty to be another factor if not for entering the war, at least for causing the United States to be supportive of Britain and France. The Uniited States and these countries had established a positive relationship with each other even before the war.

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sungsophia | Student

1)The USA was forced to join the war in 1917 because she lent money to Britaina and Frnace, She joined the war on their side and hope they would win and return the loan to the USA.

2) Germany was hostile to the USA even before she joined the war. Germany sunk passenger liner Lusitania in 1915 and killed many American civilians. This angered the USA.

3) Germany began a new caompaign of unrestricted welfare on merchant ships trading with Britian and her allies. This threatened the security of shipping which involved neutral states, such as USA.

4) Germany expected the USA to join the war. Germany approached the Mexican government and planned to attack the USA from Mexico. The plan was divulged. The US government was furious and decided to join the war.

5) So, the USA, which was not interested in European welfare was forced to join the First World War.

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revolution | Student

At the start of the war, Woodrow Wilson, the President of USA, at first didn't want to be part of the war, but something drastic happened to the image of the country that forced them to emerge from darkness into war-torn countries and help repress the assault by Germany.

The year 1917 proved to be a decisive year, due to the fact that USA entered the war on the side of the Allied Powers, tilting the war to their favor and push the success of their frontal assault against Germany's push for supremacy. Germany had used submarines, or U-boats to attack ships carrying food or war supplies to the Allied Powers, to demoralize the soldiers, and unearthed a crack in the structure of the Great Powers, and give them a opportunity to counter-attack them, giving them the edge in battle. In the midst, in one of their attacks, they sank a British ship called Lusitania, which had American passengers and 128 of them lost their lives during the naval strike. This prove to be a blow to USA, and a threat to national security, and many Americans, urged their government to join the war against Germany in retaliation against the horrible carnage. So, USA declared war against Germany in April 1917, and this spark the victory of the Allied Powers.

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csmitherseagle | Student

The United States entered World War I because of a boat and a note. The boat was the Lusitania, which was sunk by German U-boats. This angered the Americans, but that was not what led them into the war. The true reason why they got into the war was because of the British intercepting a telegram that was going to the government of Mexico from the Germans. The man who sent this telegram was a man by the name of Arthur Zimmerman. The note specifically said that Mexico could declare war on America to get the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. But that would only happen if US goes into war with Germany. That was all that it took for America to get in there and fight. The US government declared to go into battle on April 6, 1917.